Reconfigurable handheld laser treatment systems and methods

ABSTRACT

Systems and methods for reconfigurable handheld laser treatment systems are provided. In one embodiment, a reconfigurable handheld laser treatment system comprises: a base unit; a handset that includes a attachment chamber having an attachment aperture, and a laser source arranged to project optical energy into the attachment chamber, the handset coupled to the base unit; an attachment having an adapter interface compatible with insertion into the attachment chamber; a trigger sensor coupled to logic that controls activation of the laser array; and an attachment sensor arranged to detect insertion of the adapted interface into the attachment chamber through the attachment aperture. The logic enables activation of the laser array when the attachment sensor detects an authorized attachment inserted into the attachment aperture. The logic disables activation of the laser array when the attachment sensor fails to detect an authorized attachment inserted into the attachment aperture.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and is a continuation-in-part ofU.S. application Ser. No. 13/363,570 entitled “RECONFIGURABLE HANDHELDLASER TREATMENT SYSTEMS AND METHODS” filed in Feb. 1, 2012, and which isincorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Hair removal is one example of a treatment performed by handheld lasertreatment systems. Selective wavelengths of light from a laser sourceare absorbed by the melanin of a hair, which heats and kills a targethair follicle. Different fluence levels and applications techniques areappropriate for hair removal from different regions of the body. Forexample, there are regions of the body where precision application of alaser is needed, such the lip region, using devices that provide a firstlevel of concentrated fluence at a particular beam shape is desirablewhile for other areas a second level of concentrated fluence at adifferent particular beam shape is desirable. However, for a physician,obtaining separate pieces of equipment for performing such treatmentscan be expensive.

For the reasons stated above and for other reasons stated below whichwill become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading andunderstanding the specification, there is a need in the art forreconfigurable handheld laser treatment systems and methods.

SUMMARY

The Embodiments of the present invention provide for reconfigurablehandheld laser treatment systems and methods and will be understood byreading and studying the following specification.

In one embodiment, a reconfigurable handheld laser treatment systemcomprises: a base unit; a handset that includes an attachment chamberhaving an attachment aperture, and a laser source arranged to projectoptical energy into the attachment chamber, the handset coupled to thebase unit; an attachment having an adapter interface compatible withinsertion into the attachment chamber; a trigger sensor coupled to logicthat controls activation of the laser array; and an attachment sensorarranged to detect insertion of the adapted interface into theattachment chamber through the attachment aperture. The logic enablesactivation of the laser array when the attachment sensor detects anauthorized attachment inserted into the attachment aperture. The logicdisables activation of the laser array when the attachment sensor failsto detect an authorized attachment inserted into the attachmentaperture.

DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention can be more easily understood andfurther advantages and uses thereof more readily apparent, whenconsidered in view of the description of the preferred embodiments andthe following figures in which:

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a laser treatment system of one embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of reconfigurablehandset;

FIGS. 3 and 3A are diagrams illustrating a hygienic insert of oneembodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 4, 4A and 4B are diagrams illustrating an optical condenseradapter of one embodiment of the present invention for use with areconfigurable handset;

FIGS. 5, 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating various means foridentifying a present reconfigurable handset configuration;

FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating a method of one embodiment of thepresent invention relating to detecting and controlling the operation ofa laser treatment system based on the detected configuration of areconfigurable handset.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of a configurationof a laser treatment system;

FIGS. 8, 8A, 9, 9A and 10 are each diagrams illustrating alternatecooling mechanism embodiments for optical condenser adapter attachmentfor a reconfigurable handset;

FIG. 11 is a diagram of a laser treatment system of another embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of a reconfigurablehandset for the system of FIG. 11;

FIGS. 13 and 13A are diagrams illustrating one embodiment of anattachment used in combination with the handset of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating various means for identifying thepresent configuration of the handset of FIG. 12;

FIG. 15 is a flow chart illustrating a method of one embodiment of thepresent invention relating to detecting and controlling the operation ofthe laser system of FIG. 11 based on the detected configuration of itshandset; and

FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating one embodiment of aconfiguration of the laser treatment system of FIG. 11.

In accordance with common practice, the various described features arenot drawn to scale but are drawn to emphasize features relevant to thepresent invention. Reference characters denote like elements throughoutfigures and text.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to theaccompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which is shown byway of specific illustrative embodiments in which the invention may bepracticed. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail toenable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is tobe understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that logical,mechanical and electrical changes may be made without departing from thescope of the present invention. The following detailed description is,therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

Embodiments of the present invention provide for laser treatment systemsand methods utilizing a single handset that is adaptable inconfiguration for different treatment procedures, thus eliminating theneed for multiple handsets. For example, in one embodiment a handset maybe configured to perform a high optical fluence treatment to a smalltreatment area. In another configuration the high fluence treatment isperformed through a contact element which in addition to its opticalcharacteristics it also cools the tissue in order to protect its surfaceand to allow a safe delivery of the higher fluences deep into a targettissue. In another configuration, the same handset may be configured toprovide a wide area low optical fluence vacuum assisted laser treatment.This is accomplished through the use of a plurality of attachments, suchas a hygienic insert or an optical condenser adapter, which may beinstalled within, or removed from, the laser handset.

As mentioned above, in one configuration of one embodiment, the handsetprovides a treatment chamber that may be used for performing vacuumassisted laser treatments. A laser array within the handset deliversoptical energy into the treatment chamber. In this embodiment when thehandset is used in this configuration, a region of the patient's skinseals a treatment aperture of the treatment chamber while a vacuum isapplied by the handset to pull/suck in at least a portion of the skintowards the laser array. When the requisite vacuum level is detectedwithin the chamber, the laser array is activated to release a laserpulse.

In another configuration of this embodiment with an optical condenseradapter installed, the handset provides for treatment to a morelocalized region of the skin, applying higher fluence to the regionunder treatment than the vacuum assisted laser treatment. The opticalcondenser adapter redirects optical energy from the handset laser arrayto concentrate the optical energy to an output aperture at the adapter'stip that provides a much smaller treatment area as compared to thetreatment chamber of the handset. For example, in one embodiment, theaperture at the adapter's tip is a 9×9 mm square as opposed to a 22×35mm treatment aperture of the handset.

Also, as explained in greater detail below, in some embodiments the tipof the optical condenser adapter includes a cooling mechanism, such as acooled crystal. Cooling the skin is desirable for many applications whenusing the optical condenser adapter because of the relatively highfluence of the laser pulse applied to the skin. For example, in oneembodiment, a handset with the optical condenser adapter installed mayrelease up to approximately 100 J/cm². The cooled crystal cools thesurface of the skin so that energy absorbed goes down to the target hairfollicle (or other target tissues) and is not significantly absorbed byupper levels of the skin. Cooling provides a safety feature that reducesthe risks of burns to the upper levels of the skin while stillpermitting heating of target tissues below. In comparison, the vacuumassisted laser treatments can utilize a much lower fluence, on the orderof 12 J/cm², because the stretching of the skin pulls target tissuescloser to the skin surface, requiring less penetration.

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a laser treatment system 100 of one embodiment ofthe present invention. Laser treatment system 100 includes areconfigurable handset 110 coupled to a base unit 120 by a cable 112. Aswill be described in greater detail below, system 100 may furtherincludes=an optical condenser adapter 115 which may operate as anattachment to handset 110. Without optical condenser adapter 115,handset 110 is operable to perform treatments such as the vacuumassisted laser treatments as discussed above. Such applications maygenerally be considered non-contact applications, although in somecircumstances where there is more available tissue, the chucked tissuemay come in contact with the back of the hygienic insert installedwithin the handset 110. When optical condenser adapter 115 is coupled tohandset 110, the handset 110 is converted from a large-area low-fluenceinstrument into a relatively small-area high-fluence instrument. Suchapplications may generally be considered contact applications because anoptical element of the optical condenser adapter 115 is typically placedin contact with a treatment area. For this reason, cooling elements maybe incorporated into optical condenser adapter 115 as discussed below.In one embodiment, the base unit 120 comprises at least one power supply122, a vacuum source 124, and logic 126 that support the treatmentfunctions provided by reconfigurable handset 110 as described herein.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of reconfigurablehandset 110. Optical energy is generated by handset 110 using a lasersource 210, which in one embodiment comprises a laser array 211. Atreatment chamber 220 is positioned within handset 110, which defines aspace to which optical energy from laser source 210 is provided.Treatment chamber 220 includes a treatment aperture 222. In oneembodiment, treatment aperture 222 serves as an interface betweenhandset 110 and a hygienic insert as described below. In otherembodiments, treatment aperture 222 provides an interface that acceptsan optical condenser adapter 115, as described below. Treatment chamber220 further includes at least one vacuum channel 224 through which avacuum is pulled to draw patient skin tissue under treatment into thetreatment chamber 220. In one embodiment, vacuum channel 224 is coupledto the vacuum source 124 of base unit 120 via cable 115. In oneembodiment, vacuum source 124 comprises a vacuum pump. In otherembodiments, vacuum source 124 regulates a vacuum provided by anexternal source. Activation of both the laser source 210 and vacuumchannel 224 are initiated by a trigger 226.

FIGS. 3 and 3A are diagrams illustrating a hygienic insert 300 of oneembodiment of the present invention. Hygienic insert 300 comprises abase 315 at least partially comprising a material transparent to atleast a portion of the spectrum emitted by laser source 210. Hygienicinsert 300 further comprises an outer wall 316 extending from the base315 to form a cavity 320 within the Hygienic insert 300. Base 315 andouter wall 316 define that portion of Hygienic insert 300 which isinserted into treatment chamber 220 of handset 110. As such, base 315and outer wall 316 together have a size and shape compatible withinsertion into treatment chamber 220 of handset 110. Hygienic insert 300further comprises a peripheral flange 310 around a periphery of outerwall 316. Peripheral flange 310 provides the interface between handset110 and patient skin tissue under treatment. As illustrated in FIG. 3,hygienic insert 300 also includes at least one channel 330 whichcommunicates the negative air pressure pulled via vacuum channel 224with cavity 320.

In one embodiment, channel 330 aligns with the vacuum channel 224 ofhandset 110 to form a surface seal. In other embodiments, channel 330 atleast partially inserts into vacuum channel 224. In still otherembodiments, vacuum channel 224 at least partially penetrates intocavity 320 through an opening provided by channel 330. FIG. 3Aillustrates a hygienic insert 300 completely inserted into handset 110.

In one embodiment, in operation, when the handset 110 is placed onto aregion of patient skin tissue, the skin seals against flange 310. Then,when the operator activates trigger 226, a vacuum is applied withincavity 320 by vacuum channel 224 which sucks in at least a portion ofthe patient skin tissue into the volume within treatment chamber 220 andtowards the laser source 210. When a requisite vacuum level is detectedwithin the chamber 220 (such as described in further detail below), thelaser source 210 releases at least one laser pulse.

The treatment procedure applied to the patient skin tissue can result intissue debris accumulating within the cavity 320 of hygienic insert 300.Since the purpose of hygienic insert 300 is to contain and limitcontamination, in one embodiment, hygienic insert 300 includes anintegrated particle filter 331 within channel 330 to prevent tissuedebris from being pulled into vacuum channel 224, vacuum source 125and/or any other upstream equipment.

FIGS. 4, 4A and 4B are diagrams illustrating an optical condenseradapter 400 of one embodiment of the present invention such as opticalcondenser adapter 115 for use with reconfigurable handset 110.Embodiments of optical condenser adapter 400 permit an operator toquickly and easily reconfigure handset 110 for a different treatmentprocedure by swapping hygienic insert 300 for optical condenser adapter400, and vise verse. Optical condenser adapter 400 functions bycondensing the optical power of light received through a relativelylarge aperture from laser source 210 for emission from a relativelysmaller aperture. In doing so, the density of the optical energyprovided by system 100 (referred to herein as fluence) is increased.

In one embodiment, optical condenser adapter 400 comprises handsetadapter interface 401. Similar to hygienic insert 300, handset adapterinterface 401 has a size and shape compatible with insertion intotreatment chamber 220 of handset 110 as shown in FIG. 4A. In oneembodiment, handset adapter interface 401 includes a base 421 and outerwall 420.

In one embodiment, optical condenser adapter 400 includes at least twooptical members. A first optical member 435 is located within the base421 of handset adapter interface 401. The first optical member 435provides an input aperture 410 that receives the parallel beams of laserlight from laser source 210 and shifts the path of the optical energyfrom the laser light towards the center of optical condenser adapter400. More particularly, the path of the optical energy is shifted by theconfiguration of first optical member 435 so that the laser lightreceived by first optical member 435 via aperture 410 is concentratedonto a second optical member 430 located at an output aperture 411 ofoptical condenser adapter 400. The second optical member 430, in turn,again shifts the path of the optical energy so that the beams of laserlight exiting from aperture 411 are once again aligned. In oneembodiment, the internal region 425 of optical condenser adapter 400between the first optical member 435 and the second optical member 430is an open volume. A cooling element 415 (further discussed below) maybe provided at output aperture 411 for removing heat absorbed by surfacetissues during treatment of deeper tissues. In one embodiment, coolingelement 415 may be a cooling crystal. In another embodiment, instead ofbeing separate elements, the cooling element 415 and the second opticalelement 430 are the same.

In one embodiment, one or both of the first optical member 435 and thesecond optical member 430 are Fresnel lenses. For example, in theembodiment illustrated in FIG. 4B, first optical member 435 is a Fresnellens comprising five crystal regions, each receiving a different subsetof parallel laser light from different elements of laser array 211. Eachof the five crystal regions has a different Fresnel lens angle toconcentrate the optical energy it receives towards the center of opticalcondenser adapter 400 and second optical member 430. The angles used foreach crystal region are readily determined by one of ordinary skill inthe art, after reading this specification, by taking into considerationthe geometry of optical condenser adapter 400, including the dimensionsof apertures 410 and 411 and the distance between the first opticalmember 435 and the second optical member 430. In one embodiment, secondoptical member 430 includes a Fresnel lens having crystal regions angledto correspond to angles of each received subset received from firstoptical member 435.

As would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, embodimentsof the present invention are not limited to those utilizing Fresnellenses and in other embodiments other optical elements may be used.Further, multiple and different implementations of optical condenseradapter 400 can be realized to provide the operating physician withdifferent size and shape configurations for output aperture 411. Forexample, for different implementations, output aperture may be round,elliptical, diamond, square, or any other geometric shape or combinationof shapes. In still other implementations, an optical condenser adapter400 may be tuned for use with specific wavelengths of light emitted fromlaser source 210, such as through the selection of particular materialsfor one or both of the first optical member 435 and the second opticalmember 430. In one embodiment of the condenser adapter 400 the innersurfaces of outer walls 405 that face internal region 425 are coatedwith reflective material which reduces optical energy loss during lightpropagation from the first optical element 435 to the second opticalelement 430.

FIGS. 5, 5A and 5B are diagrams illustrating various means foridentifying the present configuration of handset 110. For example, FIG.5 illustrates one or more alternate embodiments of handset 110 havingone or more attachment sensors such as 510 a, 510 b and 515.

In one embodiment, handset 110 comprises one or more attachment sensors510 a, 510 b, which identify what attachment, if any, is inserted intochamber 220. For example, one alternate implementation of hygienicinsert 300 (shown in FIG. 5A) optionally further comprises one or bothof pins 545 a and 545 b. Similarly, one implementation of opticalcondenser adapter 400 (shown in FIG. 5B) optionally further comprisesone or both of pins 565 a and 565 b. In one embodiment, attachmentsensors 510 a, 510 b detect the which set of pins (i.e., 545 a/545 b or565 a/565 b) are present and associates the particular pattern ofpresent pins to identify which attachment is inserted into chamber 220.Upon insertion of either hygienic insert 300 or optical condenseradapter 400, differing patterns of pins may be identified, for example,based on pin locations, numbers of pins, pin lengths, or electricalproperties. An absence of detected pins may indicate that nothing isinserted.

In another embodiment, handset 110 comprises attachment sensor 515 whichincludes an RFID reader 515. For example, one alternate implementationof hygienic insert 300 (shown in FIG. 5A) optionally comprises an RFIDtag 546. Similarly, one implementation of optical condenser adapter 400(shown in FIG. 5B) optionally comprises an RFID tag 566. In oneembodiment, attachment sensor 515 reads attachment data from the RFIDtag of the attachment inserted into chamber 220 (i.e., 546 or 566) toidentify which attachment is inserted into chamber 220. In oneembodiment, an absence of a detected RFID tag may indicate that nothingis inserted.

In some implementations of optical condenser adapter 400, the attachmentdata from the RFID tag 566 can indicate the particular configuration ofoptical condenser adapter 400, such as the size and/or shape of outputaperture 411 and whether that particular adapter is tuned for aparticular wavelength. In one embodiment, system 100 verifies theattachment data from the RFID tag 566 is appropriate for the currentlyselected treatment parameters. For example, if the attachment dataindicates that optical condenser adapter 400 is only to be used forspecific wavelength, and laser source 210 is configured to emit adifferent wavelength, system 100 may provide the operator with a warningand/or prohibit firing of laser source 210.

In some implementations, RFID reader 515 can further write informationonto an RFID tag of an attachment. For example, in one implementationRFID reader 515 writes data onto an RFID tag 546 of an hygienic insert300 indicating when the hygienic insert 300 has been used. If anoperator inadvertently installs a previously used hygienic insert 300,system 100 may provide the operator with a warning and/or prohibitoperation of laser source 210. In one embodiment, a unique session ID iswritten onto RFID tag 546 to permit reuse of a hygienic insert 300 onthe same patient during a particular treatment session but otherwiseprevent its reuse. Similarly, data may optionally also be written ontoRFID tag 566 of optical condenser adapter 400.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart illustrating a method of one embodiment of thepresent invention relating to detecting and controlling the operation oflaser system 100 based on the detected configuration of handset 110. Themethod starts at 610 with determining a laser handset configurationusing an attachment sensor. In some embodiments, the attachment sensormay determine the configuration using pin configurations and/or RFIDtags, such as described above with respect to FIG. 5. In otherembodiments, other detection means may be used. The method proceeds to615 with determining whether a hygienic insert is attached to the laserhandset. When a hygienic insert is attached, the method proceeds to 620with enabling operation of a vacuum channel and laser source. That is,with a hygienic insert, such as insert 300, installed in handset 110,the handset is configured for vacuum assisted laser treatments such asdescribed above. In this configuration, when the laser handset is placedonto a region of patient skin tissue, the skin seals against a flange ofthe hygienic insert. Then, when the operator activates a trigger, avacuum is applied within a cavity of the insert by a vacuum channel inthe handset. The vacuum sucks in at least a portion of the patient skintissue into the cavity and towards the laser source of the handset.

When a hygienic insert is not attached (determined at 615), the methodproceeds to 625 with disabling the vacuum channel of the handset.Disabling the vacuum channel of the handset when no hygienic insert isdetected prevents inadvertent non-hygienic use of the handset for vacuumassisted laser treatments. If no hygienic insert is detected because anoptical condenser adapter is instead installed, then operation of thevacuum channel is unnecessary and may be disabled to prevent wear.

The method next proceeds to 630 with determining whether an opticalcondenser adapter is attached to the laser handset. In the case where nooptical condenser adapter is detected, and no hygienic insert isdetected, then the laser handset may not be properly set up for use andthe method proceeds to 635 with disabling laser operation. In oneembodiment, when it is determine that an optical condenser adapter isattached, the method proceeds to 645 with enabling laser operation. Inone embodiment, the method optionally proceeds to 640 with determiningwhether the attached optical condenser adapter is compatible with thepresent laser settings. If not, the method proceeds to 635 withdisabling laser operation. When the adapter and present laser settingare compatible, the method proceeds to 645 with enabling laseroperation.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating at 700 one embodiment of aconfiguration of system 100 for implementing the method described inFIG. 6. Handset 110 comprises laser source 210, vacuum channel 224, avacuum sensor 724, an attachment sensor 726 (such as attachment sensors510 a,b and 515, for example) and trigger sensor 728. As illustratedabove, base unit 120 comprises power supply 122, vacuum source 126 andlogic 126. Power supply 122 provides the electrical energy for operatinglaser source 210. Vacuum source 740 provides the negative pressure foroperating vacuum channel 224. In this embodiment, logic 126 comprisesone or more interlocks (712, 714, 716) for controlling operation oflaser source 210 and vacuum channel 224 based on inputs received fromvacuum sensor 724, attachment sensor 726, and trigger sensor 728.

For example, in one embodiment, attachment sensor interlock logic 714receives inputs representing the state of attachment sensor 726. When ahygienic insert 300 is detected by attachment sensor 726, attachmentsensor interlock logic 714 enables operation of vacuum channel 224.Otherwise, when an optical condenser attachment is detected, operationof vacuum channel 224 is disabled by attachment sensor interlock logic714. In alternate embodiments, enabling or disabling of vacuum channel224 may be achieved, for example, by altering a valve alignment betweenvacuum source 124 and vacuum channel 224 or by electrically controllingvacuum source 740. Attachment sensor interlock logic 714 may disableoperation of both vacuum channel 224 and laser source 210 when noattachment is detected. Similarly, attachment sensor interlock logic 714may disable operation of both of vacuum channel 224 and laser source 210when it detects an incompatibility between the attachment and thepresent laser settings or other system parameters.

Trigger sensor interlock logic 716 receives inputs representing thestate of trigger sensor 728. In one embodiment, when trigger sensor 728is depressed, that indicates to logic 710 that the operator wants toactivate the laser source 210.

Assuming that a hygienic insert 300 is attached and laser and vacuumoperation have not been disabled by attachment sensor interlock logic714, trigger sensor interlock logic 716 will activate vacuum channel224. Vacuum sensor 724 monitors vacuum within cavity 320 and is coupledto vacuum sensor interlock logic 712. In one embodiment, as long asvacuum sensor interlock logic 712 determines that the vacuum withincavity 320 is insufficient (i.e., not meeting a predetermined pressurethreshold), it blocks operation of laser source 210. When vacuum sensorinterlock logic 712 determine that there is a sufficient vacuum withincavity 320, it proceeds with firing of laser source 210.

Assuming that an optical condenser adapter 400 is attached, laseroperation should not be disabled by attachment sensor interlock logic714, while vacuum operation will be disabled by attachment sensorinterlock logic 714. In that case, vacuum sensor interlock logic 712 isbypassed and trigger sensor interlock logic 716 will activate lasersource 210 directly based on the state of trigger sensor 720.

FIGS. 8, 8A, 9, 9A and 10 are diagrams illustrating alternate coolingmechanism embodiments for optical condenser adapter 400. As mentionedabove, optical condenser adapter 400 comprises a cooling element 415 atoutput aperture 411 which functions to cool upper layers of skin whilethe optical energy emitted by output aperture 411 treats tissues locatedat lower layers beneath the skin's surface. In order to perform thisfunction, heat absorbed by cooling element 415 must be removed so thatcooling element 415 continues to have a sufficient heat absorbingcapacity.

In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 8 and 8A, heat is removed fromcooling element 415 by a pre-cooled circulating liquid coolant. In FIG.8, handset 110 further comprises a coolant delivery channel 810 and acoolant return channel 820. In this embodiment, optical condenseradapter 400 further comprises a coolant delivery channel 815, a heatexchanging interface 830 interfacing with cooling element 830, and acoolant return channel 825. With optical condenser adapter 400 coupledto handset 110, channels 810 and 820 are coupled to respective channels815 and 825 to form a complete circulating coolant circuit. Inoperation, pre-cooled circulating liquid coolant is provided by handset110 by channel 810 to heat exchanging interface 830 via channel 815. Atheat exchanging interface 830, the pre-cooled circulating liquid coolantabsorbs the thermal energy accumulating in cooling element 415 andremoves that heat through channels 825 and 820.

An alternate but similar embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 8A. Insteadof having pre-cooled circulating liquid coolant delivered by handset110, coolant delivery channel 850 and coolant return channel 855 inoptical condenser adapter 400 are coupled via an umbilical connection860 to base unit 120. In this embodiment, in operation, pre-cooledcirculating liquid coolant is provided to coolant delivery channel 850by umbilical connection 860. At heat exchanging interface 830, thepre-cooled circulating liquid coolant absorbs the thermal energyaccumulating in cooling element 415 and removes that heat throughcoolant return channel 855 back through umbilical connection 860 to baseunit 120.

In the embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 9 and 9A, heat is removed fromcooling element 415 by a thermoelectric cooling device 910 coupled tocrystal 415.

In FIG. 9, handset 110 further comprises cooler power conductors 920. Acorresponding set of cooler power conductors 925 are integrated intooptical condenser adapter 400. Cooler power conductors 925 in turn areelectrically coupled to thermoelectric cooling device 910. With opticalcondenser adapter 400 coupled to handset 110, cooler power conductors920 are coupled to respective Cooler power conductors 925 to form anelectrical circuit powering thermoelectric cooling device 910. Inoperation, electrical power is provided by handset 110 to thermoelectriccooling device 910 which absorbs the thermal energy accumulating incooling element 415 and dissipates the heat away from cooling element415. An alternate embodiment is illustrated in FIG. 9A. Instead ofhaving electric power for thermoelectric cooling device 910 delivered byhandset 110, Cooler power conductors 915 in optical condenser adapter400 instead receive electrical power from base unit 120 via an umbilicalconnection 940 to base unit 120.

In the embodiments illustrated in FIG. 10, heat is removed from coolingelement 415 by thermal pipes 1010 integrated into optical condenseradapter 400. In operation, thermal pipes 1010 absorb the thermal energyaccumulating in cooling element 415 and dissipates the heat away fromcooling element 415.

FIG. 11 is a diagram of a laser treatment system 1100 of anotherembodiment of the present invention. Laser treatment system 1100includes a reconfigurable handset 1110 coupled to a base unit 1120 by acable 1112. As will be described in greater detail below, system 1100further includes at least one an optical condenser adapter 1115 whichoperates as an attachment to handset 1110. In one embodiment, opticalcondenser adapter 1115 in an adapter such as adapter 115 or adapter 400described above. As explained in the description below, the presentdisclosure further described additional embodiments where an opticalcondenser adapter 1115 is used in conjunction with a reconfigurablehandset 1110 that may not need to function as a large-area low-fluenceinstrument when an optical condenser adapter 1115 is not utilized. Thatis, it is contemplated that for at least some embodiment, reconfigurablehandset 1110 is always used in conjunction with at least one of aplurality of alternate optical condenser adapters.

When one of a plurality of available optical condenser adapters 1115 iscoupled to handset 1110, the handset 1110 is configured to function as asmall-area high-fluence instrument. Such applications may generally beconsidered contact applications because an optical element of theoptical condenser adapter 1115 is typically placed in contact with atreatment area. For this reason, cooling elements may be incorporatedinto optical condenser adapter 1115 as discussed above with respect tooptical condenser adapter 400. In one embodiment, the base unit 1120comprises at least one power supply 1122 and logic 1126 that support thetreatment functions provided by reconfigurable handset 1110 as describedherein.

FIG. 12 is a diagram illustrating one embodiment of reconfigurablehandset 1110. Optical energy is generated by handset 1110 using a lasersource 1210, which in one embodiment comprises a laser array 1211. Anadapter chamber 1220 is positioned within handset 1110, which defines aspace to which optical energy from laser source 1210 is provided.Adapter chamber 1220 includes an adapter aperture 1222. In oneembodiment, adapter aperture 1222 provides an interface that acceptsoptical condenser adapter 1115, as described below. Activation of thelaser source 1210 is initiated by a trigger 1226.

Embodiments of system 1100 permit an operator to quickly and easilyreconfigure handset 110 for a different treatment procedures by swappingout one optical condenser adapter 1115 for another. As illustrated inthe embodiment shown in FIGS. 13 and 13A, the optical condenser 400described above may also function as optical condenser adapter 1115. Assuch, optional configurations discussed above with respect to utilizingoptical condenser 400 with reconfigurable handset 110 would also applyto utilizing optical condenser 400 with reconfigurable handset 1110. Forexample, in the configuration shown in FIGS. 13 and 13A, the firstoptical member of optical condenser 400 (shown at 435 on FIG. 4B) mayreceive parallel laser light from laser array 1211 in the same way as itwould from laser array 211 described above. In one embodiment, opticalcondenser adapter 400's handset adapter interface 401 has a size andshape compatible with insertion into adapter chamber 1220 of handset1110 as shown in FIG. 13A. As described above, multiple and differentimplementations of optical condenser adapter 400 can be realized toprovide the operating physician with different size and shapeconfigurations for output aperture 411. For example, for differentimplementations, output aperture 411 may be round, elliptical, diamond,square, or any other geometric shape or combination of shapes. Further,the delivered fluence can be selected by selecting an optical condenseradapter 400 having an appropriate output aperture 411 size. That is, asmaller output aperture 411 concentrates optical energy generated bylaser source 1210 onto a smaller area, thus providing a higher deliveredfluence to that area than a larger output aperture 411 would.

In still other implementations, an optical condenser adapter 400 may betuned for use with specific wavelengths of light emitted from lasersource 1210, such as through the selection of particular materials forone or both of the first optical member 435 and the second opticalmember 430. In one embodiment of the condenser adapter 400 the innersurfaces of outer walls 405 that face internal region 425 are coatedwith reflective material which reduces optical energy loss during lightpropagation from the first optical element 435 to the second opticalelement 430.

FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating various means for identifying thepresent configuration of handset 1110. For example, FIG. 14 illustratesone or more alternate embodiments of handset 1110 having one or moreattachment sensors such as 1410 a, 1410 b and 1415.

In one embodiment, handset 1110 comprises one or more attachment sensors1410 a, 1410 b, which identify what attachment, if any, is inserted intochamber 1220. For example, one implementation of optical condenseradapter 400 (shown previously in FIG. 5B) optionally further comprisesone or both of pins 565 a and 565 b. In one embodiment, attachmentsensors 1410 a, 1410 b detect the which set of pins (i.e., 545 a/545 bor 565 a/565 b) are present and associates the particular pattern ofpresent pins to identify which attachment is inserted into chamber 1220.Upon insertion optical condenser adapter 400, differing patterns of pinsmay be identified, for example, based on pin locations, numbers of pins,pin lengths, or electrical properties. An absence of detected pins mayindicate that nothing is inserted.

In another embodiment, handset 1110 comprises attachment sensor 1415which includes an RFID reader 1415. For example, one implementation ofoptical condenser adapter 400 (shown previously in FIG. 5B) optionallycomprises an RFID tag 566. In one embodiment, attachment sensor 1415reads attachment data from the RFID tag of the attachment inserted intochamber 1220 (i.e., 546 or 566) to identify which attachment is insertedinto chamber 1220. In one embodiment, an absence of a detected RFID tagmay indicate that nothing is inserted.

In some implementations of optical condenser adapter 400, the attachmentdata from the RFID tag 566 can indicate the particular configuration ofoptical condenser adapter 400, such as the size and/or shape of outputaperture 411 and whether that particular adapter is tuned for aparticular wavelength. In one embodiment, system 1100 verifies theattachment data from the RFID tag 566 is appropriate for the currentlyselected treatment parameters. For example, if the attachment dataindicates that optical condenser adapter 400 is only to be used forspecific wavelength, and laser source 1210 is configured to emit adifferent wavelength, system 1100 may provide the operator with awarning and/or prohibit firing of laser source 1210.

In some implementations, RFID reader 1415 can further write informationonto an RFID tag of an attachment. For example, in one implementationRFID reader 515 writes data onto an RFID tag 566 indicating when opticalcondenser adapter 400 has been used. In one embodiment, a unique sessionID is written onto RFID tag 556 to permit reuse of a optical condenseradapter 400 on the same patient during a particular treatment sessionbut otherwise prevent its reuse. Similarly, other data may optionallyalso be written onto RFID tag 566 of optical condenser adapter 400.

Further, in some implementations, attachment sensors such as 1410 a,1410 b and 1415 may function to detect when an incompatible attachmentis installed into attachment chamber 1220. For example, in oneembodiment, if a hygienic insert 330 is mistakenly installed ontoattachment 1110, system 1100 may provide the operator with a warningand/or prohibit firing of laser source 1210 based on either notrecognizing the attachment identified by the attachment sensors 1410 a,1410 b and 1415, or by affirmatively recognizing the identifiedattachment as an incompatible attachment.

FIG. 15 is a flow chart illustrating a method of one embodiment of thepresent invention relating to detecting and controlling the operation oflaser system 1100 based on the detected configuration of handset 1110.The method starts at 1510 with determining a laser handset configurationusing an attachment sensor. In some embodiments, the attachment sensormay determine the configuration using pin configurations and/or RFIDtags, such as described above with respect to FIG. 14. In otherembodiments, other detection means may be used. The method proceeds to1530 with determining whether an optical condenser adapter is attachedto the laser handset. In the case where no optical condenser adapter isdetected, then the laser handset may not be properly set up for use andthe method proceeds to 1535 with disabling laser operation. In oneembodiment, when it is determine that an optical condenser adapter isattached, the method proceeds to 1545 with enabling laser operation. Inone embodiment, the method optionally proceeds to 1540 with determiningwhether the attached optical condenser adapter is compatible with thepresent laser settings. If not, the method proceeds to 1535 withdisabling laser operation. When the adapter and present laser settingare compatible, the method proceeds to 1545 with enabling laseroperation.

FIG. 16 is a block diagram illustrating at 1600 one embodiment of aconfiguration of system 1100 for implementing the method described inFIG. 15. Handset 1110 comprises laser source 1210, an attachment sensor1626 (such as attachment sensors 1410 a,b and 1415, for example) andtrigger sensor 1628. As illustrated above, base unit 1120 comprisespower supply 1122 and logic 1126. Power supply 1122 provides theelectrical energy for operating laser source 1210. In this embodiment,logic 126 comprises one or more interlocks (1614, 1616) for controllingoperation of laser source 1210 based on inputs received from attachmentsensor 1626, and trigger sensor 1628.

For example, in one embodiment, attachment sensor interlock logic 1614receives inputs representing the state of attachment sensor 1626. Whenan optical condenser attachment is correctly inserted, that action isdetected by attachment sensor 1626 and communicated to attachment sensorinterlock logic 1614. Attachment sensor interlock logic 1614 may disableoperation of laser source 1210 when either no attachment is detected, orwhen an incompatible or unauthorized attachment is detected. Similarly,attachment sensor interlock logic 1614 may disable operation of lasersource 1210 when it detects an incompatibility between the attachmentand the present laser settings or other system parameters.

For some embodiments, either logic 1126 or logic 126 may be updated(e.g. by a firmware or software upgrade) to recognize newly authorizedattachments, or disable previously authorized attachments. For example,if a previously authorized attachment has been recalled or for whateverreason is no longer supported for used on a particular system, logic 126and/or logic 1126 may be updated to disable operation of the respectivelaser source 210 and/or 1210 (that is, de-authorize the attachment) whenattachment of that previously authorized attachment is identified.Further, in some embodiments, when logic 1126 or logic 126 is updated todisable a previously authorized attachment, when that previouslyauthorized attachment is installed, the logic may update, for example,relevant information on the RFID tag of the attachment itself. Forexample, the RFID tag of a recalled or otherwise no-longer-supportedattachment can be updated by one system to prevent the use of thatattachment on any other system.

Trigger sensor interlock logic 1616 receives inputs representing thestate of trigger sensor 1628. In one embodiment, when trigger sensor1628 is depressed, that indicates to logic 1610 that the operator wantsto activate the laser source 1210. Assuming that an appropriate opticalcondenser adapter 400 is attached, laser operation should not bedisabled by attachment sensor interlock logic 1614. In that case triggersensor interlock logic 1616 will activate laser source 1210 based on thestate of trigger sensor 1620.

As would be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art afterreading this disclosure, each of the disclosures of FIGS. 8, 8A, 9, 9Aand 10 illustrating alternate cooling mechanism embodiments for opticalcondenser adapter 400 are applicable and may be used in conjunction withhandset 1110 as well as handset 110.

EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Example 1 comprises a handheld laser treatment apparatus, the apparatuscomprising: a handset including a attachment chamber, the attachmentchamber having an open attachment aperture; a laser array arranged toproject optical energy into the attachment chamber, the laser arraycoupled to a power source; a trigger sensor, the trigger sensor coupledto logic that controls activation of the laser array; an attachmentsensor arranged to detect which of a plurality of attachments areinserted into the attachment chamber through the attachment aperture,the attachment sensor coupled to the logic; wherein the logic enablesactivation of the laser array when the attachment sensor detects anauthorized attachment of the plurality of attachments inserted into theattachment aperture; and wherein the logic disables activation of thelaser array when the attachment sensor fails to detect an authorizedattachment of the plurality of attachments inserted into the attachmentaperture.

Example 2 comprises the apparatus of Example 1, wherein at least part ofthe logic is integral to the handset.

Example 3 comprises the apparatus of Example 1 or 2, further comprisinga base unit coupled to the handset by at least one connector; whereinthe power source is integral to the base unit.

Example 4 comprises the apparatus of Example 3, wherein at least part ofthe logic is integral to the base unit.

Example 5 comprises the apparatus of any of Examples 1-4, wherein thewherein the authorized attachment comprises an optical condenseradapter.

Example 6 comprises the apparatus of Examples 5, wherein the opticalcondenser adapter comprises: an adapter interface compatible withinsertion into the attachment chamber of the handset, the adapterinterface including an input aperture; a first optical member positionedat the input aperture; a second optical member at an output aperture ofthe optical condenser adapter; wherein the first optical member isarranged to receive parallel beams of laser light generated from thelaser array and shift a path of optical energy of the laser light toconcentrate at the second optical member.

Example 7 comprises the apparatus of Example 6, wherein the secondoptical member is arranged to further shift the path of optical energyreceived from the first optical member to produce substantially parallelbeams of laser light from the output aperture.

Example 8 comprises the apparatus of any of Examples 6-7 wherein one orboth of the first optical member and the second optical member areFresnel lens elements.

Example 9 comprises the apparatus of any of Examples 6-8 wherein theoutput aperture is smaller than the input aperture.

Example 10 comprises the apparatus of any of Examples 6-9 wherein theoutput aperture is shaped as a polygon, circle, or ellipse, or acombination thereof.

Example 11 comprises the apparatus of any of Examples 6-10, the opticalcondenser adapter further comprising a cooling element at the outputaperture.

Example 12 comprises the apparatus of Example 11, wherein the coolingelement further comprises a cooling crystal.

Example 13 comprises the apparatus of any of Examples 11-12, the coolingelement comprises a thermo-electric cooling device.

Example 14 comprises the apparatus of any of Examples 13, wherein thethermo-electric cooling device is electrically coupled to power throughthe handset.

Example 15 comprises the apparatus of any of Examples 11-14 wherein thecooling element comprises one or more heat pipes within the opticalcondenser adapter.

Example 16 comprises the apparatus of any of Examples 11-15 wherein thecooling element comprises a heat exchange interface in the opticalcondenser adapter coupled to a pre-cooled circulating liquid coolantcircuit.

Example 17 comprises the apparatus of Example 16 wherein the heatexchange interface is coupled to the pre-cooled circulating liquidcoolant circuit through the handset.

Example 18 comprises the apparatus of any of Examples 1-17 wherein theattachment sensor reads differing patterns of pins from the plurality ofattachments.

Example 19 comprises the apparatus of any of Examples 1-18 wherein theauthorized attachment includes an RFID tag readable by the attachmentsensor.

Example 20 comprises the apparatus of Example 19, wherein the attachmentsensor writes attachment usage data to the RFID tag.

Example 21 comprises the apparatus of any of Examples 1-20, wherein thelogic determines whether an installed attachment of the plurality ofattachments is compatible with currently selected treatment parametersbased information from the attachment sensor.

Example 22 comprises the apparatus of Example 21, wherein the logicblock activation of the laser array when it determines that theinstalled attachment is not compatible with currently selected treatmentparameters.

Example 23 comprises the apparatus of any of Examples 21-22 wherein thelogic generates an operator warning when it determine that the installedattachment is not compatible with currently selected treatmentparameters.

Example 24 comprises the apparatus of any of Examples 21-23 wherein thelogic determines whether an installed attachment of the plurality ofattachments is authorized based information from the attachment sensor.

Example 25 comprises the apparatus of Example claim 24, wherein thelogic blocks activation of the laser array when it determines that theinstalled attachment is not compatible with currently selected treatmentparameters.

Example 26 comprises the apparatus of any of Examples 1-25, wherein thelogic is updatable to recognize newly authorized attachments and disablepreviously authorized attachments.

Example 27 comprises a method for operating a reconfigurable lasertreatment apparatus having a handset that includes a attachment chamberand a laser source arranged to project optical energy into theattachment chamber, the method comprising: determining a laser handsetconfiguration using an attachment sensor; when determining the laserhandset configuration determines that a first attachment inserted intothe attachment chamber of the laser handset is an authorized attachmentof a plurality of attachments, enabling operation the laser source; whendetermining the laser handset configuration determines that anauthorized attachment of the plurality of attachments is not insertedinto the attachment chamber of the laser handset, disabling operation ofthe laser source.

Example 28 comprises the method of Example 27, further comprising: whendetermining the laser handset configuration determines that noattachment is inserted into to the attachment chamber of the laserhandset, disabling operation of the laser source.

Example 29 comprises the method of any of Examples 27-28 furthercomprising: when determining the laser handset configuration determinesthat the first attachment is not an approved attachment, disablingoperation of the laser source.

Example 30 comprises the method of any of Examples 27-29 wherein thefirst attachment comprises a writable RFID tag, the method furthercomprising: writing data to the RFID tag.

Example 31 comprises the method of any of Examples 27-30 furthercomprising: when determining the laser handset configuration determinesthat an attachment inserted into the attachment chamber is notcompatible with one or more settings of the reconfigurable lasertreatment apparatus, blocking activation of at least the laser source.

Example 32 comprises the method of any of Examples 27-31 furthercomprising: wherein determining the laser handset configuration furthercomprises providing information derived from the attachment sensor to alogic of the reconfigurable laser treatment apparatus; and wherein thelogic determine whether an authorized attachment is inserted into theattachment chamber based on the information derived from the attachmentsensor.

Example 33 comprises the method of any of Examples 27-32 wherein thelogic enables or disables operation of the laser source based on theinformation derived from the attachment sensor.

Example 34 comprises the method of any of Examples 27-33 furthercomprising: updating the logic to recognize additional authorizedattachments.

Example 35 comprises the method of Example 34 further comprising:updating the logic to disable previously authorized attachments.

Example 36 comprises a reconfigurable handheld laser treatment system,the system comprising: a base unit; a handset that includes a attachmentchamber having an attachment aperture, and a laser source arranged toproject optical energy into the attachment chamber, the handset coupledto the base unit; an attachment having an adapter interface withdimensions compatible with insertion into the attachment chamber; atrigger sensor on the handset, the trigger sensor coupled to logic thatcontrols activation of the laser array; an attachment sensor in thehandset arranged to detect insertion of the adapted interface into theattachment chamber through the attachment aperture, the attachmentsensor coupled to the logic; wherein the logic enables activation of thelaser array when the attachment sensor detects an authorized attachmentinserted into the attachment aperture; and wherein the logic disablesactivation of the laser array when the attachment sensor fails to detectan authorized attachment inserted into the attachment aperture.

Example 37 comprises the system of Example 36 wherein the attachmentcomprises an optical condenser adapter comprising: an adapter interfacecompatible with insertion into the attachment chamber of the handset,the adapter interface including an input aperture; a first opticalmember positioned at the input aperture; a second optical member at anoutput aperture of the optical condenser adapter; wherein the firstoptical member is arranged to receive parallel beams of laser lightgenerated from the laser array and shift a path of optical energy of thelaser light to concentrate at the second optical member.

Example 38 comprises the method of Examples 37 wherein the secondoptical member is arranged to further shift the path of optical energyreceived from the first optical member to produce substantially parallelbeams of laser light from the output aperture.

Example 39 comprises the method of any of Examples 37-38 wherein one orboth of the first optical member and the second optical member areFresnel lens elements.

Example 40 comprises the method of any of Examples 37-39 wherein theoutput aperture is shaped as a polygon, circle, or ellipse, or acombination thereof.

Example 41 comprises the method of any of Examples 37-40, the opticalcondenser adapter further comprising a cooling element at the outputaperture.

Example 42 comprises the method of any of Examples 36-41 wherein atleast part of the logic is integral to the handset.

Example 43 comprises the method of any of Examples 36-42 wherein atleast part of the logic is integral to the base unit.

Example 44 comprises the method of any of Examples 36-43 wherein theattachment sensor reads differing patterns of pins from the attachment.

Example 45 comprises the method of any of Examples 36-44 wherein theattachment includes an RFID tag readable by the attachment sensor.

Example 46 comprises the method of Example 45 wherein the attachmentsensor writes data to the RFID tag.

Example 47 comprises the method of any of Examples 36-46 wherein thelogic determines whether the attachment is compatible with currentlyselected treatment parameters based information from the attachmentsensor.

Example 48 comprises the method of any of Examples 36-47 wherein thelogic blocks activation of the laser array when it determines that theattachment is not compatible with currently selected treatmentparameters.

Example 49 comprises the method of any of Examples 36-48 wherein thelogic generates an operator warning when it determine that the installedattachment is not compatible with currently selected treatmentparameters.

Example 50 comprises the method of any of Examples 36-49 wherein thelogic determines whether the attachment is authorized based informationfrom the attachment sensor.

Example 51 comprises the method of any of Examples 36-50 wherein thelogic blocks activation of the laser array when it determines that theinstalled attachment is not compatible with currently selected treatmentparameters.

Example 52 comprises the method of any of Examples 36-51 wherein thelogic is updatable to recognize newly authorized attachments and disablepreviously authorized attachments.

Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and describedherein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the artthat any arrangement, which is calculated to achieve the same purpose,may be substituted for the specific embodiment shown. This applicationis intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the presentinvention. Therefore, it is manifestly intended that this invention belimited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.

What is claimed is:
 1. A handheld laser treatment apparatus having abase unit, the base unit selectable for a plurality of treatmentparameters, the apparatus comprising: a handset attachable to the baseunit including a attachment chamber, the attachment chamber having anopen attachment aperture; a laser array arranged to project opticalenergy into the attachment chamber, the laser array coupled to a powersource; an attachment sensor arranged to detect which of a plurality ofattachments are inserted into the attachment chamber through theattachment aperture, the attachment sensor coupled to the logic; whereinthe logic enables activation of the laser array when the attachmentsensor detects an authorized attachment of the plurality of attachmentsinserted into the attachment aperture; and wherein the logic disablesactivation of the laser array when the attachment sensor fails to detectan authorized attachment inserted into the attachment aperture; whereinthe logic determines whether an installed attachment of the plurality ofattachments is compatible with currently selected treatment parametersbased on information from the attachment sensor; and wherein the logicblocks activation of the laser array when it determines that theinstalled attachment is not compatible with currently selected treatmentparameters.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least part of thelogic is integral to the handset.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, whereinthe base unit is coupled to the handset by at least one connector; andwherein the power source is integral to the base unit.
 4. The apparatusof claim 3, wherein at least part of the logic is integral to the baseunit.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the authorized attachmentcomprises an optical condenser adapter.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5,wherein the optical condenser adapter comprises: an adapter interfacecompatible with insertion into the attachment chamber of the handset,the adapter interface including an input aperture; a first opticalmember positioned at the input aperture; a second optical member at anoutput aperture of the optical condenser adapter; wherein the firstoptical member is arranged to receive parallel beams of laser lightgenerated from the laser array and shift a path of optical energy of thelaser light to concentrate at the second optical member.
 7. Theapparatus of claim 6, wherein the second optical member is arranged tofurther shift the path of optical energy received from the first opticalmember to produce parallel beams of laser light from the outputaperture.
 8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein one or both of the firstoptical member and the second optical member are Fresnel lens elements.9. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the output aperture is smaller thanthe input aperture.
 10. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the outputaperture is shaped as a polygon, circle, or ellipse, or a combinationthereof.
 11. The apparatus of claim 6, the optical condenser adapterfurther comprising a cooling element at the output aperture.
 12. Theapparatus of claim 11, wherein the cooling element further comprises acooling crystal.
 13. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the coolingelement comprises a thermo-electric cooling device.
 14. The apparatus ofclaim 11, wherein the thermo-electric cooling device is electricallycoupled to power through the handset.
 15. The apparatus of claim 11,wherein the cooling element comprises one or more heat pipes within theoptical condenser adapter.
 16. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein thecooling element comprises a heat exchange interface in the opticalcondenser adapter coupled to a pre-cooled circulating liquid coolantcircuit.
 17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the heat exchangeinterface is coupled to the pre-cooled circulating liquid coolantcircuit through the handset.
 18. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein theattachment sensor reads differing patterns of pins from the plurality ofattachments.
 19. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the authorizedattachment includes an RFID tag readable by the attachment sensor. 20.The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the attachment sensor writesattachment usage data to the RFID tag.
 21. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the logic generates an operator warning when it determines thatthe installed attachment is not compatible with currently selectedtreatment parameters.
 22. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the logic isupdatable to recognize newly authorized attachments and disablepreviously authorized attachments.